Ready to get started? Here are 11 natural approaches to fibromyalgia treatment that you may want to look into. Remember to mention any treatments you’re considering to your pain specialist first, to avoid any potential negative interactions with pain medications.

Acupuncture. Traditional Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, is gaining in popularity, though it hasn’t yet been rigorously studied for fibromyalgia. A review of existing research — 25 studies involving a total of more than 1,500 people, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, reveals that acupuncture treatments can reduce the number of tender points on the bodies of people with fibromyalgia. Acupuncture combined with cupping therapy (which applies heat and pressure to select spots on the skin) can cut down on overall pain as well as depression.

Biofeedback. In a UCLA study of 15 patients comparing those who received biofeedback training with those who did not, researchers determined that biofeedback helped to improve attention level and reduce the perception of pain, tender spots, fatigue, and morning stiffness.

Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT, long used for fibromyalgia treatment, helps patients identify negative thought patterns and change them. Researchers in Spain who recently evaluated people with fibromyalgia found that both cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy combined with hypnosis improve fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain, compared with use of only medications for treatment.

Craniosacral therapy. This is a type of massage that focuses on specific pressure points on your neck and head. Researchers compared the use of craniosacral therapy with a placebo treatment in 84 patients and found that those who had the massage experienced less pain, anxiety, and depression and also saw improvements in their daily living.

Mindfulness training. This therapeutic approach is similar to meditation in that you learn to be more aware of your thoughts and your pain in order to change your response to the pain and in turn reduce it, improving your quality of life. Researchers in Canada have developed a pilot computer program they say helps patients reorient the focus of their attention away from their pain. Nick Carleton, PhD, assistant professor in the department of psychology at the University of Regina, says, “Most patients did not know what we were doing, but they benefited from the program.” After two mindfulness sessions a week for four weeks, fibromyalgia patients saw a 40 percent reduction in pain.

Music therapy. Research in Pain Management Nursing suggests that learning to visualize a relaxing scene in combination with specific music on a CD can help ease fibromyalgia pain. This is just one approach to music therapy for pain management, says Joanne Loewy, MT-BC, director of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Music therapy includes a wide variety of options, including making music with others, singing, and drumming, all of which are promising options for fibromyalgia pain.

Physical activity. According to data in the Journal of Pain, by watching the brain’s response to pain during physical activity and while study participants were simply sitting, researchers determined that the brain is effectively distracted from pain by physical activity. So, get moving — almost any type of movement will do, and the more fun, the better. .

Pilates. Scientists in Turkey have demonstrated that patients who participated in an hour of Pilates three times a week for at least 12 weeks reported less pain at the end of the three months as well as a decrease in the impact of fibromyalgia on their daily lives. Consider making Pilates part of your fibromyalgia pain management plan and you’ll also make important strength gains.

Qigong. Qigong is a technique taught in traditional Chinese medicine that uses specific postures, breathing exercises, and mental focus. A study reported in the journal Disability Rehabilitation compared women with fibromyalgia who learned this technique with similar women who did not and concluded that qigong may offer some relief from pain as well as other fibromyalgia symptoms.

Tai chi. Hourlong tai chi sessions twice a week for at least three months can help reduce pain and improve other fibromyalgia symptoms, such as sleeplessness, according to research published in the The New England Journal of Medicine. This research was done with the Yang style of tai chi, but you can try other approaches with certified teachers as well.

Yoga. Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University developed an eight-week pilot program of yoga instruction that focused on greater awareness of breathing, meditation, and poses. All the women from the 53-person study who participated in the yoga sessions (rather than standard care only) found significant relief from fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain and fatigue and improved coping strategies as well.

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A Course in Miracles, also known as "the Course" or ACIM, was scribed by Dr. Helen Schucman. It is a self-study course that aims to assist listeners, readers, and students in achieving spiritual transformation. ACIM presents a purely non-dualistic philosophy of forgiveness and includes practical lessons and applications for the practice of forgiveness in one's daily life.

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It’s more than just a garnish on your dinner plate. Parsley is one of the best disease-fighting herbs and has been used as a natural medicine for centuries. The health benefits of drinking parsley juice can help fibromyalgia suffers with better digestive and anti-inflammatory effects. After just 2 weeks, your body will start to reap these amazing benefits!

I can attest the properties of parsley are highly underrated, and need to be noticed. Parsley makes a great addition to salads, smoothies, and juices. If you're on one of our diets you may already be implementing the Fibromyalgia Juice Recipe.– It tastes incredible and provides the body with a host of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to help the body heal and protect it from harmful effects of chronic pain.

Strengthen Immune System
Parsley has been shown to suppress over-stimulated immune systems, helping fight against allergies, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Its high flavonoid content also provides it with the ability to enhance immune system response, as well as suppress various stages of the cancer process.

Natural Diuretic
Parsley is a great natural diuretic, making it a wonder-herb for lowering blood pressure, and helping flush the body of excess toxins. It’s diuretic effects help eliminate excess sodium in the body, which is also great for getting rid of excess water weight.

Anti-Inflammatory
This medicinal herb makes a great anti-inflammatory food. It is high in vitamin C, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and helps provide relief in those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also contains a volatile oil called eugenol that has been shown in studies to possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.

Blood Tonic and Purifier
Chlorophyll in parsley helps to alkalize the body, form new red blood cells and purify the blood. Polyacetylene found in parsley contains anti-platelet-aggregatory properties that help prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke. It also contains a host of beneficial flavonoids that neutralize free radicals and strengthen the heart.

Strengthens The Bones
The high vitamin K content in parsley makes it a great herb for helping strengthen the bones. Vitamin K deficiency has been linked with higher risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis. Consuming enough vitamin K (which just 1/2 a cup of parsley provides) improves calcium absorption, reduces urinary calcium excretion and modifies bone matrix proteins, all of which help improve bone health.

Prevents Bladder Infections
By stimulating urination, parsley juice helps flush out bad bacteria in the urinary tract that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is also an effective antibacterial herb (see below), making it great for getting rid of bacterial infections of the bladder and urinary tract.

Heals The Kidneys
Parsley juice helps flush the kidneys by stimulating urination. When my bladder infection went up into my kidneys I juiced up to 2 bunches of parsley a day (along with my raw vegan diet), and it went away naturally after 5 days. How’s that for a natural medicine!

Aids Digestion
Parsley stimulates the appetite and improves the digestive process. It contains a host of different enzymes that help in breaking down food during digestion, as well as vitamins, minerals, and other phytonutrients that aid in absorption and utilization of other foods we eat.

Soothes Indigestion
Parsley juice can help relieve an upset stomach and indigestion, thanks to its high vitamin C and folic acid content.

Prevents Anemia
Parsley contains twice the amount of iron found in spinach. Iron is the oxygen-carrying component in red blood cells, and helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Just 1 cup of parsley provides 3.7 mg of iron, or 21% of your daily recommended intake!

Anti-Cancer Herb
Folic acid in parsley is a nutrient required for proper cell division, and so is important for cancer prevention of the colon and cervix where cells rapidly divide. It is very high in vitamin C (3 times higher than oranges!), which is important for scavenging free radicals and preventing DNA damage (a main contributor to cancer cell growth). Parsley also contains the compound apigenin, which increases levels of glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase and has been found to shrink certain breast cancer tumours.

Antibacterial
This powerful antibacterial herb, with the ability to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and B. subtilis, is a must if you want to prevent bacteria-related illness.

​Good Source of Copper
If you need some copper in your diet, parsley is the way to go! Copper is an essential trace mineral found in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys and skeletal muscle. It helps with the formation of collagen, plays a role in energy production and increases the absorption of iron.

Improves VisionParsley is a good source of the pro-vitamin A carotenoid, beta-carotene. Consuming a diet rich in beta-carotene lowers your risk of age-related macular degeneration, and improves night-blindness.

Fibromyalgia Juicing Recipe attempts to address the dysfunction of muscle cells and the buildup of lactic acids that can attribute to muscle pain and soreness. I make this juice blend upon rising every day. You want to ensure that these essential nutrients get immediately to the cells in need before having any food intake.

No other produce toots summer quite like watermelon. But there’s more to watermelon than just its flavor: It boasts some powerful health benefits. At 46 calories per cup, watermelon offers 20% of your daily intake of vitamin C and 17% vitamin A, according to the USDA. That’s not all.

No wonder there's a whole month dedicated to this fruit next month - July is National Watermelon Month.

​Did you knowIt has more lycopene than raw tomatoes

In just one cup, watermelon has 1.5 times more than a large fresh tomato, 6 milligrams compared to 4 milligrams, according to the USDA. That matters because lycopene is thought to act as a super antioxidant, stopping free radicals from damaging your cells and messing with your immune system. Some research even suggests that lycopene, typically found in red fruits and vegetables, may help fight heart disease and several types of cancer. Pro tip: “To retain the most antioxidants in this delicious superfood, store your watermelon at room temperature before slicing,” Sass says.

The juice can relieve muscle soreness

A Spanish study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that drinking watermelon juice can actually be quite soothing after a grueling workout. Athletes who consumed a little more than 16 ounces an hour before exercise had less muscle soreness and a lower heart rate within a day.
That may be because watermelon contains a natural substance called citrulline that’s been tied to improved artery function and lower blood pressure. In fact, its ability to relax the blood vessels led Texas A&M University researchers to say watermelon has Viagra-like effects. But you’ll need to look beyond the pink flesh if you really want to load up on citrulline—it’s concentrated most in the rind. If that’s not your thing, you can always save it for pickling or preserving later, Sass says.

It’s a fruit AND a vegetable

Like most fruits, watermelon is the product of a seed-producing plant and has a signature sweet taste. But it can be traced back to the squash, pumpkin, and cucumber family known as Cucurbitacea. You can also eat the rind. The dual nature of watermelon makes it all edible, so there’s no excuse to leave any part behind.

It’s packed with water

This food has some serious hydration power. Watermelon is 91.5% water, according to the USDA. That’s a big deal seeing as how being dehydrated is bad for your health. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that women with even mild dehydration experienced headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, and worse moods. Dehydration also promotes muscle pain in patients experiencing fibromyalgia.

Improves Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone in the blood that regulates blood sugar by helping it enter cells. PubMed Health explains that when the body does not respond properly to insulin blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. To counteract that occurrence, the body produces more insulin, and the excess insulin and sugar in the bloodstream have a negative effect on the kidneys and triglyceride levels. Watermelon's L-citrulline content raises L-arginine levels which helps reduce circulating blood sugar levels, excess fat and cholesterol levels in animal and human subjects, according to a study in the December 2007 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition."

Here's a great weekender movie to stream that will relax your senses and allow some healing for the upcoming week.

Until he was downsized, affable, amiable Larry Crowne (Hanks) was a superstar team leader at the big-box company where he's worked since his time in the Navy. Underwater on his mortgage and unclear on what to do with his suddenly free days, Larry heads to his local college to start over. There he becomes part of a colorful community of outcasts, also-rans and the overlooked all trying to find a better future for themselves...often moving around town in a herd of scooters. In his public-speaking class, Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband. The simple guy who has every reason to think his life has stalled will come to learn an unexpected lesson: when you think everything worth having has passed you by, you just might discover your reason to live. -IMBd

There are no true roadblocks to traveling with fibromyalgia it's not unsafe and you shouldn't feel excluded from vacationing when you have the condition, says board-certified rheumatologist Marcia Genta, MD, of the Dallas Arthritis Center and the Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

What's tiring for most people on a vacation though can be downright exhausting for someone with fibromyalgia. Why? Dealing with traffic, long lines at the airport, security checks, and getting around in a place you don't know is stressful, and stress can increase the pain of fibromyalgia.​Traveling is also physically draining. Carrying around luggage, especially lifting bags into overhead compartments, can lead to injury. Long days of sightseeing without enough rest can also make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.

To enjoy a vacation, take these steps to lessen the impact travel can have on your fibromyalgia.

Seek out the sunshine. Cold and damp weather has been known to make fibromyalgia pain worse. Summer travel might be a better option than winter.

Avoid planning trips to arduous terrains. Your destination should be a place that you're interested in visiting, but use common sense when making your plans. "Trekking in high mountains or rafting down rapids, where plenty of repeated traumas are likely to occur, should be avoided," advises Dr. Genta.

Book a reservation with a modern hotel. A newer hotel with elevators will be easier to navigate than a charming historic hotel that has narrow stairs, Genta says. Even people who are athletic may have trouble carrying luggage up narrow passageways.

Pack smart. Just as everyone should, try to pack only what you need to avoid having to lug a heavy suitcase. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, Genta adds. And be sure to pack your medication in a carry-on bag (not your checked bag, as it could get delayed or lost).

Move as much as possible in the plane or car. "A long airplane trip is trying for everyone," Genta says. Moving and stretching in the cabin to avoid stiffness is especially important for people with fibromyalgia. Genta suggests checking in-flight magazines for stretching techniques you can do during your flight. If you're traveling by car, stop as often as needed to stretch.

Get help with luggage. Always ask flight attendants with help getting a bag into an overhead compartment on an airplane, Genta says. Since picking up a heavy bag from the conveyor belt at baggage claim requires movement that can cause injury, she says, hire a porter to carry your luggage.

Follow a leisurely itinerary. Although you may want to see as much as you can, don't try packing too many museums or cathedrals into your sightseeing plans in any one day. A stop at a sidewalk café watching the crowds is often more informative (and fun) than a lecture about the place you're visiting, says Genta.

​After an enjoyable vacation, what's the protocol for getting back to everyday life? You'll probably struggle a bit to get back into your daily routine, just as everyone does, Genta says. If you've thought out your travel plans ahead of time and you didn't overdo activity while you were away, you shouldn't need a vacation from your vacation.